Over the last decade, teachers have seen mobile devices become a part of students’ lives. Often, the struggle is to ensure that students put their devices away before class. However, the reality is these devices are here to stay, and that doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
Technological devices are actually high-powered learning tools in the palms of students’ hands. It’s just a matter of knowing the proper ways to use all these modern devices to help students engage in learning in ways we couldn’t have imagined just 10 years ago.
Here are four benefits to implementing lessons that use mobile devices as tools for successful learning in classrooms. Students will be intrigued to be permitted to use their beloved mobile devices as tools in the classroom, creating instant excitement for learning. This will only help keep students on task and motivated.
Preparation for the Future
The big-picture role for all teachers is to help prepare students for their lives outside of school, whether that’s in college or the workforce. Realistically, technology is a key component of most careers. Learning how to effectively use mobile devices as tools for completing projects is a much needed life lesson for today’s students.
Beyond Traditional Classroom Activities
The many facets of mobile devices give teachers a plethora of ways to design lessons that go beyond textbooks or traditional note-taking. From instant internet access to cameras, video cameras and sound recording, teachers can pick and choose exciting opportunities for student engagement. Students might respond to prompts via text or email, or even create visual based responses. They can read texts on the device, copy and paste passages, even create visual pieces highlighting important facts and concepts. Teachers can take full advantage of the many apps available to assist in student learning.
Research on Demand
Teachers themselves have already learned the wonders of using the internet for lesson ideas and teaching strategies, so why not encourage students to use the research possibilities of the internet? Access to information and facts is instant, offering a wonderful advantage. However, it’s important to guide students in their research to teach them how to sift through the web and find valid, accurate information.
Cooperative Learning with Social Media
Students spend a lot of time on social media, which has its benefits and drawbacks. The instant connections and fast ability to share responses and ideas have the potential to enhance cooperative learning projects within the classroom. Students can communicate beyond the classroom while teachers can monitor their progress. Teachers can facilitate virtual learning by creating classroom group pages on Facebook, or a class hashtag so that all students can be connected to the virtual discussion.
Mobile devices can be educational tools used to create an exciting and efficient work environment for students. Today’s youth are already well-versed in how to communicate and discover through the devices, it’s up to their teachers to harness these instincts and develop them into skills that students can use to succeed throughout their lives.